Types of Paddleball Shots

This is a brief introduction to the different ways a player can hit the ball. Each type of shot must be used for a player to master the game of paddleball.

The Passing Shot

A passing shot is usually a hard driven ball that hits at mid height on the front wall and is “passed” towards the back of the court. The pass may or may not hit a side wall. When exicuted perfectly the ball will make it to the back wall but not have enough height or force to come off the back wall enough for your opponent to hit it. The pass is best used when your opponent is in the middle or front of the court.

The Lob

Like the passing shot a ball that is “lobbed” will end up in the back of the court and if done correctly will not come off the back wall enough for your opponent to be set up for a good return. The lob however is aimed high enough that it will pass over your opponents head making it imposable for them to cut it off.

The Ceiling Shot

A ball hit either as a lob or a passing shot that is aimed high enough will hit the ceiling causing it to come straight down. Ceiling shots properly placed make it very hard for your opponent to have a very good return.

The Kill Shot

A Kill shot happens when the ball hits so low on the front wall that it comes off with either a “flat-roll” or a with a very small bounce. If your oponant is in mid or back court it will be impossiable for them to return a good kill shot. Kill shots can either be hit straight at the front wall or at an angle cause it to hit a side wall either before or after coming in contact with the front wall.

Back wall

In some situations the only way you will be able to return a ball is to hit it off the back wall at such and angle and with the right amount of force that it will reach the front wall before hitting the floor. Back wall shots are usually used as a last resort since it gives your opponent too much time to set up for their shot.

Pinch Shot

A pinch shot is when the ball is hit at such a wide angle that it barely comes off the front wall.